Speakers
Objectives
The implementation of SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation) since March 2021 has raised some criticism on the lack of a clear definition of sustainability and of its Articles 8 and 9, used as labels by financial investors, leading to a significant reduction in the volume of so-called “Article 9 funds” since 2022.In September 2023, the European Commission launched a consultation on SFDR. The respondents to the consultation agreed that the objectives of SFDR should be pursued, but agreed also on the main weaknesses, in particular the lack of clarity of some articles, including articles 8 and 9, and on the need to address inconsistencies with other parts of the sustainability framework (CSRD, Mifid 2, IDD, etc.). A large majority of respondents supported sustainability product categories such as Article 8 and Article 9, but they were divided on their reform, notably on whether such categories should be based on new criteria or whether Articles 8 and 9 should be transformed into formal product categories by clarifying and adding criteria to the already existing concepts. There was a lot of support for the introduction of a new “transition” category. There were also calls for simplification of some parts of the Regulation.Against this background, the meeting aims to clarify the issues and stakes involved in the revision of the SFDR and the Commission’s subsequent priorities.
Points of discussion
- What are the strengths and weaknesses in the implementation of the SFDR? What are the benefits in terms of transparency for the retail investor? How burdensome is the SFDR for financial market participants?
- What are the main results of the Commission’s consultation? What should be changed for the definition of sustainability, the Articles 8 and 9, and the creation of a “transition” category? What simplifications could be introduced without losing important information? What would be your recommendations to the new Commission?